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Ashes Trilogy #2
Shadows of Glass
Wren's world has changed. The thing that she fought for, escaping the dome has come to fruition, but it's not the paradise she thought it would be. Most of the shiners have died, and according to James, she is to blame for many of the deaths, a burden which sits heavy on her shoulders. Still some have survived and Wren is determined to keep them safe as they fight to establish a home outside while hiding from the rovers who have weapons that can kill from far away. But as long as she has Pace she knows everything will be fine. Still Wren wonders, as she sees the smoke that continually pours forth from the dome, how did her friends inside fare? Will they ever find out if Lucy, David, Jill and Harry, along with Pace's mother survive the explosions? Meanwhile, someone else has also seen the smoke. A band of explorers from across the sea arrive in an airship, curious about the dome, and offering help to those who survive. When Wren meets the handsome Levi Addison, she suddenly questions her love for Pace as Levi offers to show her the world from his airship. Does she really love Pace? Or was it just the circumstances that made her think she did? Meanwhile, word arrives from inside via Pip, and Wren is forced to go back inside the dome, a thing that terrifies her more than anything else, to save her friends. Once she's back inside will she be able to escape again? Kassy Tayler's Shadows of Glass is a whirlwind of adventure, romance, conspiracy and the struggle to stay alive in a dystopian world where nothing is as it seems.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 23, 2013
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April 11, 2017I love the little yellow bird and I want one. It was so cool to follow the heroine above ground for the first time. We take for granted wonderful things like the moon and the sky and trees. Really like the new characters and can't wait to see what happens next, especially after that cliffhanger ending.
December 3, 2017
SNAPSHOT:
Told from Wren’s perspective, the slow pace might attract readers looking for more involved character development. However, despite fighting for their survival, Wren and her band have a small course to traverse: one third adapting to the outside world, another spent learning from newly arrived American airship travelers, and the final act defending against murderous unwashed scavengers.
Past action is revealed—often repeatedly—in exposition that is as stilted and awkward as the main character’s own narrative. While this is a necessary bridge between where Wren came from and where she and her people are going, it is not a good place to jump in. This is very much a middle piece, with the more intriguing plot bits teased, set up, and left for resolution in the sequel.
Appropriate for ages 13+. Some intense situations, moderate language, scenes of violence, discussion of sexual assault, light sexual situations.
Deals with themes of survival, community, identity, the nature of love and trust, and learning to accept the responsibility that, though there are consequences, decisions must be made and actions must be taken.
Future stories in the Ashes series would benefit from careful editing, as overlooked mistakes litter the prose in ways a spell-check program would not catch (tense changes, improperly pluralized words, and so on). The inconsistent errors are frequent enough that they almost seem to be a distracting dialect choice. It leaves a general sense that, perhaps originally, the novel was written from a second person or present tense narration.
GET IT ON YOUR SHELF:
If you…
– Enjoy steampunky stories, clothing, and gadgets
– Are a fan of the 'City of Ember' series
– Need more love triangles in your dystopians
– Ever wondered what today would be like if the Victorian age was hit by a comet
[[review initially published at https://youngentertainmentmag.com/sha... ]]
Told from Wren’s perspective, the slow pace might attract readers looking for more involved character development. However, despite fighting for their survival, Wren and her band have a small course to traverse: one third adapting to the outside world, another spent learning from newly arrived American airship travelers, and the final act defending against murderous unwashed scavengers.
Past action is revealed—often repeatedly—in exposition that is as stilted and awkward as the main character’s own narrative. While this is a necessary bridge between where Wren came from and where she and her people are going, it is not a good place to jump in. This is very much a middle piece, with the more intriguing plot bits teased, set up, and left for resolution in the sequel.
Appropriate for ages 13+. Some intense situations, moderate language, scenes of violence, discussion of sexual assault, light sexual situations.
Deals with themes of survival, community, identity, the nature of love and trust, and learning to accept the responsibility that, though there are consequences, decisions must be made and actions must be taken.
Future stories in the Ashes series would benefit from careful editing, as overlooked mistakes litter the prose in ways a spell-check program would not catch (tense changes, improperly pluralized words, and so on). The inconsistent errors are frequent enough that they almost seem to be a distracting dialect choice. It leaves a general sense that, perhaps originally, the novel was written from a second person or present tense narration.
GET IT ON YOUR SHELF:
If you…
– Enjoy steampunky stories, clothing, and gadgets
– Are a fan of the 'City of Ember' series
– Need more love triangles in your dystopians
– Ever wondered what today would be like if the Victorian age was hit by a comet
[[review initially published at https://youngentertainmentmag.com/sha... ]]
June 12, 2017
I was impressed by all the surprising "complications" thrown at our band of shiners when they were forced to deal with the outside world. However, I felt a little cheated by the synopsis that said Wren would have to return to the dome. I assumed this book would be all about that, but she doesn't actually get back into the dome until the last 3 pages of the book. And, yes, there was an air ship, but she didn't exactly get to go sailing in it. Middle books of trilogies are always tough, and this one certainly seemed to struggle.
I still remain hopeful for the final book in this trilogy that it will set everything right.
Oh, and I don't think I'm supposed to, but I'm totally rooting for Levi.
I still remain hopeful for the final book in this trilogy that it will set everything right.
Oh, and I don't think I'm supposed to, but I'm totally rooting for Levi.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2014
I liked the first book all right--it wasn't very new or very different, but it was an okay 3-star standard Victorianesque steampunky dystopian--but the second one suffers dreadfully from middle book syndrome in that it's not even all setup for the next book because hardly anything happens in this one. This whole book could have been condensed down to 5-8 chapters.
In fact, Shadows of Glass can be summed up in one sentence:
Over half of the book is spent chronicling how they walk around outside. I understand that the Outside World is new and exciting for them, but really? Half the freaking book? And then the other half is them getting along righty-o with the new people they meet who have the depth and complexity of a shallow pond--pretty enough and sufficient for certain needs, but not much else. Even spunky young Zan, girl-glider-pilot and daughter-of-an-explorer extraordinaire, is generically spunky and designed to be Wren's New BFF.
Hot New Boy Levi was okay but not much more than that. I appreciated that, as the new love interest and instigator of a love triangle, he wasn't an alpha male douchebag or deliberately mysterious, the way YA love interests often are. I rather liked him but that was it, a sort of general liking, I wasn't particularly routing for him.
And the plot, there pretty much is none in this book at all. The group of shiners runs into some occasional hitches, random outside people who are inexplicably filthy and murderous and rape-y (why are they all so literally filthy and smelly? is water a precious commodity or something, and if so, why is this never mentioned anywhere?) attack them a few times, and that's it. I suppose that this book exists to show the group adjusting to life outside the dome, but not much happens and their adjustment isn't at all interesting or exciting beyond the first few chapters; in fact, I'm pretty sure that this entire book happens over the course of a few days, definitely less than a week, and yet it went on, and on, and on about nothing.
I also didn't really appreciate the heavy-handed attempts to force-feed me diversity. I mean, Levi actually says the words "diverse" and "diversity" more than once when he's trying to teach Wren about the world and its different peoples, although in a classic show of diversity with one hand and then undermining it with the other, he talks about Indians (Native Americans) and then reduces them to the Wise Savages who survived the destruction of the comet because they Knew the Ways of the Earth, and then talks about China and reduces them to silk and exotica.
The whole thing of Levi learning from the Noble Savages/Sioux Indians left me skeptical and wondering if I should be offended by the way they were presented, considering he learned how to beBatman a super badass warrior from them and also how to survive in the wilds.
The only thing that kept this book from a 1-star rating is the fact that, like in the last book, I kind of liked Wren. Unlike most YA heroines who think with their drama and their hormones and couldn't score a single point on an IQ test, Wren actually thinks about things like whether or not it's "right" to kill someone even if he is a threat and if that makes her just the same as he is. When push comes to shove, Wren shoves real hard, but she's got her qualms and questions about doing so.
In other situations, she's also got realistic perspective. For instance, if there's a dangerous situation going on, maybe this isn't the time to be prettying herself up and sitting down to eat dinner, but there's nothing she can do at the moment, so that's what circumstances are making her do--but she's still going to be thinking with half her mind about other things.
Sometimes Wren thinks a little too much, but still, in general I appreciate that Wren has these thoughts and considerations and, actually, I appreciate that she doesn't necessarily come to a conclusion or decisive answer. Like a real person, she has different thoughts at different times, and her opinions and ideals change.
Cue the love triangle: Wren actually starts to think about her and Pace and what they mean together--do they have a future, are they really in love or was it the duress and passion of the moment? How well do they really know each other? She's loyal to Pace but this new Levi guy is hot and interested in her (but not pushy, thank god), but how well does she really know Levi? Wren has her pondering and her guilt and her conscience and I appreciate all of it.
So basically this sequel book is only worth reading if you treat it as a character piece since the plot is nil, the worldbuilding is shaky (though we do finally get some backstory and history), and NOTHING HAPPENS. This book should've been a novella or short story and the next book should have been book 2, since that seems like that's where the story will actually pick up again.
All things considered, I'd read the third book since I'm still invested, but Shadows of Glass was disappointingly boring.
In fact, Shadows of Glass can be summed up in one sentence:
Over half of the book is spent chronicling how they walk around outside. I understand that the Outside World is new and exciting for them, but really? Half the freaking book? And then the other half is them getting along righty-o with the new people they meet who have the depth and complexity of a shallow pond--pretty enough and sufficient for certain needs, but not much else. Even spunky young Zan, girl-glider-pilot and daughter-of-an-explorer extraordinaire, is generically spunky and designed to be Wren's New BFF.
Hot New Boy Levi was okay but not much more than that. I appreciated that, as the new love interest and instigator of a love triangle, he wasn't an alpha male douchebag or deliberately mysterious, the way YA love interests often are. I rather liked him but that was it, a sort of general liking, I wasn't particularly routing for him.
And the plot, there pretty much is none in this book at all. The group of shiners runs into some occasional hitches, random outside people who are inexplicably filthy and murderous and rape-y (why are they all so literally filthy and smelly? is water a precious commodity or something, and if so, why is this never mentioned anywhere?) attack them a few times, and that's it. I suppose that this book exists to show the group adjusting to life outside the dome, but not much happens and their adjustment isn't at all interesting or exciting beyond the first few chapters; in fact, I'm pretty sure that this entire book happens over the course of a few days, definitely less than a week, and yet it went on, and on, and on about nothing.
I also didn't really appreciate the heavy-handed attempts to force-feed me diversity. I mean, Levi actually says the words "diverse" and "diversity" more than once when he's trying to teach Wren about the world and its different peoples, although in a classic show of diversity with one hand and then undermining it with the other, he talks about Indians (Native Americans) and then reduces them to the Wise Savages who survived the destruction of the comet because they Knew the Ways of the Earth, and then talks about China and reduces them to silk and exotica.
The whole thing of Levi learning from the Noble Savages/Sioux Indians left me skeptical and wondering if I should be offended by the way they were presented, considering he learned how to be
The only thing that kept this book from a 1-star rating is the fact that, like in the last book, I kind of liked Wren. Unlike most YA heroines who think with their drama and their hormones and couldn't score a single point on an IQ test, Wren actually thinks about things like whether or not it's "right" to kill someone even if he is a threat and if that makes her just the same as he is. When push comes to shove, Wren shoves real hard, but she's got her qualms and questions about doing so.
In other situations, she's also got realistic perspective. For instance, if there's a dangerous situation going on, maybe this isn't the time to be prettying herself up and sitting down to eat dinner, but there's nothing she can do at the moment, so that's what circumstances are making her do--but she's still going to be thinking with half her mind about other things.
Sometimes Wren thinks a little too much, but still, in general I appreciate that Wren has these thoughts and considerations and, actually, I appreciate that she doesn't necessarily come to a conclusion or decisive answer. Like a real person, she has different thoughts at different times, and her opinions and ideals change.
Cue the love triangle: Wren actually starts to think about her and Pace and what they mean together--do they have a future, are they really in love or was it the duress and passion of the moment? How well do they really know each other? She's loyal to Pace but this new Levi guy is hot and interested in her (but not pushy, thank god), but how well does she really know Levi? Wren has her pondering and her guilt and her conscience and I appreciate all of it.
So basically this sequel book is only worth reading if you treat it as a character piece since the plot is nil, the worldbuilding is shaky (though we do finally get some backstory and history), and NOTHING HAPPENS. This book should've been a novella or short story and the next book should have been book 2, since that seems like that's where the story will actually pick up again.
All things considered, I'd read the third book since I'm still invested, but Shadows of Glass was disappointingly boring.
September 10, 2020
Another book I had to listen to since it's the only format my library has.
This definitely suffers from Second-Book Syndrome, I'm sorry to say. It felt like a bridge between the beginning and end, and I suppose that's what it is. The hopeful tone with which the first book ended dissipates rather quickly as Wren and her friends try to adjust to the world outside the dome. And, of course, with the new environment and new people, the author for some reason felt obligated to shove in a love triangle. Yeah, a love triangle. I hate them, but more on that later.
Wren & Co. encounter obstacles that you'd expect for people who have lived their whole lives in a dome, isolated for 200 years from civilization as it progresses: sun exposure, clashes with other people, changing temperatures, confusion regarding new things. Okay, that last one not so much because they're all curious and accept things quickly. But there were some things I thought rather strange. For example, Wren genuinely has no idea when--or even if--it's acceptable to kill someone in certain circumstances (like in self defense). It seems like that is something that would have been understood within her own society, as well.
A new group of outsiders is introduced, as well--a group of Americans that are exploring the world in their airship (ah yes, so it is steampunk). I'm not sure if it's because I wasn't a fan of the narrator's American accent or if it was entirely because the characters themselves were annoying, but I was, well, annoyed. From the moment Levi Addison made an appearance, I just wanted them to go away.
Which brings me to the love triangle (it's in the book synopsis, so you know it's coming). I am firmly team Pace and have been from the beginning of the series. He's good, kind, protective, gentle, responsible, supportive, intelligent, hardworking. He helps others even when he really has no obligation to them. He and Wren work well together and complement each other in so many ways. Yes, I realize that they really haven't known each other that long, but I don't see a problem with that (I liked my husband from the moment I first met him, and we've been married happily for 15 years so far). But of course, in order to make room for the love triangle, the author suddenly tries to throw Pace in a negative light and makes Wren start doubting her feelings for him. I mean, honestly, Pace and James get in a fight, and it's really not that much of a surprise. But Wren is so appalled at Pace's behavior that she starts rethinking her feelings for him. Hello, Wren, have you forgotten your own instances of violence? Not that it's an excuse, but she is rather hypocritical (and at least Pace stopped himself). Every time Pace says or does something, Wren gets annoyed with him and interprets his actions negatively. Pace is jealous over Wren's time spent with Levi, so Wren calls him possessive. It goes on and on. But when you really think about Pace's words and actions (outside of Wren's head), he's not being possessive, aggressive, bossy, etc.
Enter Levi--he's adventurous, he's American, he's seen the world, he's proficient in weapon use, he's handsome, he's different, he's charming. He's a shiny, new toy. That's what I kept thinking the entire time I read the book. Even though he knew there was something between Wren and Pace, he did everything he could to insert himself between them. He was constantly trying to pull her away with promises of seeing the world. And if I didn't already hate him (which I did), his first words after kissing Wren were, "So much for Pace." He's so arrogant and doesn't understand why Wren would consider Pace when she could be with him instead. Plus, he does it all with a smile, which makes it that much worse. Oh, and don't forget that he was constantly asking Wren's friends--including Pace--all about her. Yes, Pace, even though Levi knew they had something going on. Stupid usurper. That's what I thought about Levi.
And stupid Wren, too. I actually disliked her for much of this book. In addition to stringing along Pace and Levi, she made herself into an emotional martyr. She moped because she blamed herself for all the deaths that took place since the book started. She complained about the idea of being responsible for the other people but wouldn't stop feeling that everything that happened to them was her fault. She couldn't seem to understand that other people make their own decisions, and the that she is not responsible for them. She was secretive and closed herself off from Pace, sharing things with Levi that she should have shared with him instead. And she didn't fault Levi for the lives he had taken, even though she thought poorly of Pace for any type of fighting he did. She was starstruck by the shiny, new toy that could do no wrong. Stupid cow.
I'm not entirely sure what I think about the way the series is going. I guess it's not unexpected, but I kind of feel like too much is being expected of the Americans. Not only that, but the sure think highly of themselves if they think they'll be able to liberate everyone in the dome and stop the rovers.
How it ends:
Note: Some language. A brief moment of sensuality.
Narrator: Nicola Barber
I’ve liked this narrator for this series, as well as another I’ve listened to (The Witch Hunter/The King Slayer). But I’ve discovered now that she is absolutely awful at American accents. It’s not that she can’t make the sounds—it’s that she can’t make them flow the way an American would. It all sounds very stilted and overemphasized. Overenthusiastic, too. Maybe that’s what we sound like to British people, I don’t know. I was always under the impression that we Americans talk too quickly and connect our words more.
Other than that, I still like her. She manages to make the characters’ voices distinct enough that I can tell them apart (even supporting characters).
This definitely suffers from Second-Book Syndrome, I'm sorry to say. It felt like a bridge between the beginning and end, and I suppose that's what it is. The hopeful tone with which the first book ended dissipates rather quickly as Wren and her friends try to adjust to the world outside the dome. And, of course, with the new environment and new people, the author for some reason felt obligated to shove in a love triangle. Yeah, a love triangle. I hate them, but more on that later.
Wren & Co. encounter obstacles that you'd expect for people who have lived their whole lives in a dome, isolated for 200 years from civilization as it progresses: sun exposure, clashes with other people, changing temperatures, confusion regarding new things. Okay, that last one not so much because they're all curious and accept things quickly. But there were some things I thought rather strange. For example, Wren genuinely has no idea when--or even if--it's acceptable to kill someone in certain circumstances (like in self defense). It seems like that is something that would have been understood within her own society, as well.
A new group of outsiders is introduced, as well--a group of Americans that are exploring the world in their airship (ah yes, so it is steampunk). I'm not sure if it's because I wasn't a fan of the narrator's American accent or if it was entirely because the characters themselves were annoying, but I was, well, annoyed. From the moment Levi Addison made an appearance, I just wanted them to go away.
Which brings me to the love triangle (it's in the book synopsis, so you know it's coming). I am firmly team Pace and have been from the beginning of the series. He's good, kind, protective, gentle, responsible, supportive, intelligent, hardworking. He helps others even when he really has no obligation to them. He and Wren work well together and complement each other in so many ways. Yes, I realize that they really haven't known each other that long, but I don't see a problem with that (I liked my husband from the moment I first met him, and we've been married happily for 15 years so far). But of course, in order to make room for the love triangle, the author suddenly tries to throw Pace in a negative light and makes Wren start doubting her feelings for him. I mean, honestly, Pace and James get in a fight, and it's really not that much of a surprise. But Wren is so appalled at Pace's behavior that she starts rethinking her feelings for him. Hello, Wren, have you forgotten your own instances of violence? Not that it's an excuse, but she is rather hypocritical (and at least Pace stopped himself). Every time Pace says or does something, Wren gets annoyed with him and interprets his actions negatively. Pace is jealous over Wren's time spent with Levi, so Wren calls him possessive. It goes on and on. But when you really think about Pace's words and actions (outside of Wren's head), he's not being possessive, aggressive, bossy, etc.
Enter Levi--he's adventurous, he's American, he's seen the world, he's proficient in weapon use, he's handsome, he's different, he's charming. He's a shiny, new toy. That's what I kept thinking the entire time I read the book. Even though he knew there was something between Wren and Pace, he did everything he could to insert himself between them. He was constantly trying to pull her away with promises of seeing the world. And if I didn't already hate him (which I did), his first words after kissing Wren were, "So much for Pace." He's so arrogant and doesn't understand why Wren would consider Pace when she could be with him instead. Plus, he does it all with a smile, which makes it that much worse. Oh, and don't forget that he was constantly asking Wren's friends--including Pace--all about her. Yes, Pace, even though Levi knew they had something going on. Stupid usurper. That's what I thought about Levi.
And stupid Wren, too. I actually disliked her for much of this book. In addition to stringing along Pace and Levi, she made herself into an emotional martyr. She moped because she blamed herself for all the deaths that took place since the book started. She complained about the idea of being responsible for the other people but wouldn't stop feeling that everything that happened to them was her fault. She couldn't seem to understand that other people make their own decisions, and the that she is not responsible for them. She was secretive and closed herself off from Pace, sharing things with Levi that she should have shared with him instead. And she didn't fault Levi for the lives he had taken, even though she thought poorly of Pace for any type of fighting he did. She was starstruck by the shiny, new toy that could do no wrong. Stupid cow.
I'm not entirely sure what I think about the way the series is going. I guess it's not unexpected, but I kind of feel like too much is being expected of the Americans. Not only that, but the sure think highly of themselves if they think they'll be able to liberate everyone in the dome and stop the rovers.
How it ends:
Note: Some language. A brief moment of sensuality.
Narrator: Nicola Barber
I’ve liked this narrator for this series, as well as another I’ve listened to (The Witch Hunter/The King Slayer). But I’ve discovered now that she is absolutely awful at American accents. It’s not that she can’t make the sounds—it’s that she can’t make them flow the way an American would. It all sounds very stilted and overemphasized. Overenthusiastic, too. Maybe that’s what we sound like to British people, I don’t know. I was always under the impression that we Americans talk too quickly and connect our words more.
Other than that, I still like her. She manages to make the characters’ voices distinct enough that I can tell them apart (even supporting characters).
October 26, 2016
I really really loved Ashes of Twilight - I read 60 books this summer, and it was one of the ones that really stood out, so that's saying something - so I was all set to love it's sequel. My enthusiasm was tampered a bit by the fact that I was warned off Shadows of Glass. My friend, who hates love triangles with a burning passion, had already written it off. But I decided to give it a chance, and I am glad I did.
My overall impression upon finishing this book is that there just wasn't enough. I wanted more - more of the story, more interaction with side characters, more information. I guess it speaks to the quality of what I did get that this wanting more just makes me want another book, not leaving me so unsatisfied I am done with the series. The pace was slow at times, but great at others.
Addressing the issue of the love triangle; I hate love triangles where she's trying to decide who's hotter, but this didn't feel like that. They felt like real people, with real issues. It wasn't like she was trying to decide between Abercrombie models. There were issues with her romance that I noticed that she noticed too, and issues of her character that made things difficult but that I liked addressed, and the two boys were such different people that honestly, I was okay with it. And I was okay with how it ended in this book.
Things I did not like: her descriptions of some things, like gory fight scenes or kissing seemed way too contrived, like they were deliberately intended for shock value. I didn't like that; it interrupted the flow, and turned a relatively clean book into one I wouldn't buy. Oh well.
Overall, I would recommend it, and I'll be reading the next one!
My overall impression upon finishing this book is that there just wasn't enough. I wanted more - more of the story, more interaction with side characters, more information. I guess it speaks to the quality of what I did get that this wanting more just makes me want another book, not leaving me so unsatisfied I am done with the series. The pace was slow at times, but great at others.
Addressing the issue of the love triangle; I hate love triangles where she's trying to decide who's hotter, but this didn't feel like that. They felt like real people, with real issues. It wasn't like she was trying to decide between Abercrombie models. There were issues with her romance that I noticed that she noticed too, and issues of her character that made things difficult but that I liked addressed, and the two boys were such different people that honestly, I was okay with it. And I was okay with how it ended in this book.
Things I did not like: her descriptions of some things, like gory fight scenes or kissing seemed way too contrived, like they were deliberately intended for shock value. I didn't like that; it interrupted the flow, and turned a relatively clean book into one I wouldn't buy. Oh well.
Overall, I would recommend it, and I'll be reading the next one!
December 12, 2013
Like many people, I thought this book was not engaging - unlike the first book I rated as a 5 & exceptional. It's hard to say the exact problem, but part is Wren turns into a self-pitying drama-queen ... same problem Katniss Everdeen suffers in hunger-games book three. One gets sick of reading her lament how much better life would have been to die a young slave in the coal mine instead of being outside.
I guess the book can be described as they get outside, meet a foreign family, fight some baddys, then sneak back inside. That's it; all the rest of the writing is fluff to make this puffier.
I guess the book can be described as they get outside, meet a foreign family, fight some baddys, then sneak back inside. That's it; all the rest of the writing is fluff to make this puffier.
October 7, 2013
AWESOME!!! Page turner from beginning to end. As with book 1, it left me wanting to know more. Can not wait for book 3!!
December 22, 2019
Het begin was heel saai, het midden leuk maar het einde was dan toch weer wat minder. Ik kom dus uit op een drietje. Wel heel veel punten voor de steampunkelementen (which I love, wat je wss wel weet als je de Vleugels-trilogie hebt gelezen) en de rol die dierenliefde speelt in dit verhaal, want dat ben ik echt in nog geen enkel ander YA-boek tegengekomen. De nieuwe personages waren ook wel heel tof maar dat compenseerde niet helemaal voor de uitleggerige schrijfstijl en de soms saaie stukken.
April 26, 2022
Pretty standard 2012 YA love triangle dystopian. I just don't have the patience for love triangles anymore, or for the plain but surprisingly special author self insert main character girl that all these boys are just smitten by. I thought the world was interesting enough, kinda boring and expected with the steampunk vibes and the weird woobification of other countries/nationalities.
January 18, 2014
Book 1 left us with Wren and her whole village scampering before a deluge of water. Wren, Pace, and a few Shiners find themselves outside the Dome via the underground tunnels. They also find that a lot of people didn’t survive the disaster. On top of mourning their dead, they must also get use to fresh air, wildlife, sunlight, and the elements. It soon becomes clear that they are not alone in the outside world as the Rovers are clearly interested in their goats and ponies. Luckily, some generous and helpful Americans descend in an airship, very intrigued by the smoke that continues to pour from the holes in the Dome. The Shiners easily make friends with the Hatfields (Jane & Lion and their daughter Xanth and her cousin Levi) and their well-stocked airship.
Wren has Shiner eyes, eyes that have evolved to low-light environments. And she makes the mistake of looking into the sun. Drama ensues. Everyone’s emotions are running high as those who made it out with Pace and Wren deal with the dead, or worse, the not knowing if loved are are alive, trapped, or dead and lost. James, ever the divisive force, and Pace square off while Wren feels torn between her remaining people and the bond she has with Pace. More drama.
Then the airship shows up and Wren is the first to stumble upon it. Luckily, the occupants are friendly and have extra resources. They trade Wren a grand meal in exchange for knowledge of the Dome and the surrounding area. Xanth takes to her right away, making sure she is bathed and dressed. Pretty soon, the remaining Shiners are taken under the protective wing of the Hatfields. They begin training on simple weapons, like bows, and also hunting.
Between the action scenes, we are treated to Wren’s inner turmoil. She’s had a lot of deal with and with no chance to rest. She is especially torn by her ability to kill, constantly questioning the morality of it. Luckily, Levi can relate, and the two start to form a bond. And yet more drama ensues as Pace and Levi vie for Wren’s affections.
There were many things I was taken with in this story. I love the idea of folks stuck in an enclosed environment, losing much of their knowledge of the surrounding world, and then coming out into that world. for instance, Pace was privileged in that he had access to numerous books. So he is able to figure out how to dig up muscles, cook them, and eat them. They all learn about sunburns and the Shiners have to take extra care with their eyes that are evolved for miner life. The American explorers and their airship was a nice touch, even if they are a little too nice and polite to be real. Still, they have an airship! And they bring knowledge of the bigger world.
Wren has so much to deal with, and by and large, she does a really good job. She helped many of the remaining Shiners when they first emerged from the caves. Then she spread the world about the Rovers so folks could keep an eye out. Then the airship brings much needed protection but also complications. They wish to make contact with those inside. While Wren worries for her friends who still remain inside, she doesn’t want to return.
But then it all gets complicated with the love triangle. You won’t give me the evil squinty eye if I tell you I kind of tuned out some of it because it was overkill? Wren acts like she doesn’t have any control over her emotions, which leads to lack of control over her actions. She also can’t decide what she wants. I didn’t really care for these dramatic sections of the book, but I guess they are required in modern-day Young Adult. Sigh…..
Levi is half Sioux, thought he doesn’t really look it. There are a few sections where he goes on about how much he learned during his single year with his mother’s tribe. This seemed to smack of putting the noble savage on a pedestal. Native Americans are real today and haven’t been lost to the mists of time. And they are supposedly real in this book too, still having healthy societies. Perhaps we could have had a Native American family piloting the airship? Just a thought. In case an author is looking for a new, crisp idea that hasn’t been explored/exploited.
The bad guys were terribly easy to spot. They all smelled bad, looked bad, and acted badly. I was hoping that the Rovers would have some sort of society as they managed to exist outside the Dome all these years through the calamity of the comet. But no, rather they all fell into this cookie cutter mold of ‘Bad Guy’. On the other hand, several got to die during the action scenes which provided an opportunity for character growth by our heroes.
OK, with those few criticisms, I still enjoyed the book. I want Wren to succeed and I want Pace to get his mom back. I want James to die a glorious death instead of being a dick all the time. Levi and his family are cool and helpful, but soon they will lose interest and fly away. So, yeah, I will probably check out the third book because I need to know how things end.
The Narration: Nicola Barber was the perfect voice for Wren. Her various accents (the Shiners, Pace’s, the Rovers, the Americans) were are done quite well. Her ability to pour Wren’s emotions through the narration was excellent.
Wren has Shiner eyes, eyes that have evolved to low-light environments. And she makes the mistake of looking into the sun. Drama ensues. Everyone’s emotions are running high as those who made it out with Pace and Wren deal with the dead, or worse, the not knowing if loved are are alive, trapped, or dead and lost. James, ever the divisive force, and Pace square off while Wren feels torn between her remaining people and the bond she has with Pace. More drama.
Then the airship shows up and Wren is the first to stumble upon it. Luckily, the occupants are friendly and have extra resources. They trade Wren a grand meal in exchange for knowledge of the Dome and the surrounding area. Xanth takes to her right away, making sure she is bathed and dressed. Pretty soon, the remaining Shiners are taken under the protective wing of the Hatfields. They begin training on simple weapons, like bows, and also hunting.
Between the action scenes, we are treated to Wren’s inner turmoil. She’s had a lot of deal with and with no chance to rest. She is especially torn by her ability to kill, constantly questioning the morality of it. Luckily, Levi can relate, and the two start to form a bond. And yet more drama ensues as Pace and Levi vie for Wren’s affections.
There were many things I was taken with in this story. I love the idea of folks stuck in an enclosed environment, losing much of their knowledge of the surrounding world, and then coming out into that world. for instance, Pace was privileged in that he had access to numerous books. So he is able to figure out how to dig up muscles, cook them, and eat them. They all learn about sunburns and the Shiners have to take extra care with their eyes that are evolved for miner life. The American explorers and their airship was a nice touch, even if they are a little too nice and polite to be real. Still, they have an airship! And they bring knowledge of the bigger world.
Wren has so much to deal with, and by and large, she does a really good job. She helped many of the remaining Shiners when they first emerged from the caves. Then she spread the world about the Rovers so folks could keep an eye out. Then the airship brings much needed protection but also complications. They wish to make contact with those inside. While Wren worries for her friends who still remain inside, she doesn’t want to return.
But then it all gets complicated with the love triangle. You won’t give me the evil squinty eye if I tell you I kind of tuned out some of it because it was overkill? Wren acts like she doesn’t have any control over her emotions, which leads to lack of control over her actions. She also can’t decide what she wants. I didn’t really care for these dramatic sections of the book, but I guess they are required in modern-day Young Adult. Sigh…..
Levi is half Sioux, thought he doesn’t really look it. There are a few sections where he goes on about how much he learned during his single year with his mother’s tribe. This seemed to smack of putting the noble savage on a pedestal. Native Americans are real today and haven’t been lost to the mists of time. And they are supposedly real in this book too, still having healthy societies. Perhaps we could have had a Native American family piloting the airship? Just a thought. In case an author is looking for a new, crisp idea that hasn’t been explored/exploited.
The bad guys were terribly easy to spot. They all smelled bad, looked bad, and acted badly. I was hoping that the Rovers would have some sort of society as they managed to exist outside the Dome all these years through the calamity of the comet. But no, rather they all fell into this cookie cutter mold of ‘Bad Guy’. On the other hand, several got to die during the action scenes which provided an opportunity for character growth by our heroes.
OK, with those few criticisms, I still enjoyed the book. I want Wren to succeed and I want Pace to get his mom back. I want James to die a glorious death instead of being a dick all the time. Levi and his family are cool and helpful, but soon they will lose interest and fly away. So, yeah, I will probably check out the third book because I need to know how things end.
The Narration: Nicola Barber was the perfect voice for Wren. Her various accents (the Shiners, Pace’s, the Rovers, the Americans) were are done quite well. Her ability to pour Wren’s emotions through the narration was excellent.
June 11, 2017
The first book was great.
This one?
Wah wah wah, Wren.
Can you whine about your love life anymore than you do throughout this book?
The story is cool, Wren's whining sort of ruins the enjoyment.
This one?
Wah wah wah, Wren.
Can you whine about your love life anymore than you do throughout this book?
The story is cool, Wren's whining sort of ruins the enjoyment.
October 5, 2017
Ugh. This was not as good as the first. It mostly read as a teenage girls diary. It picked up enough at the end that I will go on hoping the next book returns back to its roots.
July 23, 2013
Shadows of Glas is the second book in the Ashes Trilogy, ans picks up right where we left off from in Ashes of Twilight. The dome has been severely devastated damaged, and truth about the world outside has been discovered. The world outside is not consumed by fire, but is completely different than they have been taught to believe. They have lost so many in the floods and the fire, but that is just the start.
Wren was a character that I did enjoy in the first book. The fact that she strong, and and challenged the things that she was taught about the outside world was the main reasons I like her so much. I will say that she is just as strong as before, but she is carrying some major guilt about the losses of life and questions the decisions she made leading up to where she is. this includes Pace. Their relationship was a quick one, and even though it was sweet it hits a few rough patches along the way. There are some secondary characters that have been introduce and let me tell you, they were great. but I will get to them a minute.
The story takes us through the strifes Wren and the group is facing now that they are outside the dome. Living in the dome never prepared them for what they were in store for and lot harder than they imagined. They were always meant to believe that they couldn’t survive outside the wall. Having to find food for everyone, and not to mention shelter begins to wear them all. Wren does come across a group of people that have been making it, they had shelter, food and some new exciting things that she had never dreamed of. There were a little more steampunkish machines this time around, and they alone were fascinating. The airship that they used was so amazing and how it was made was even more so. Not to mention, their back story was too. Then there is Levi, he was kind to Wren and seemed to understand what she was going through and feeling. So yes, there is the dreaded triangle, but there was so much with the rover trying to kill them and just plain trying to survive, the romance didn’t really bother me. The ending was a cliffhanger from hell but it was soo good.
Shadows of Glass was full of action, fighting, grief and learning about themselves. Fans of dystopians and science fiction will enjoy this. I know I enjoyed it, and I will be waiting for Remnants of Tomorrow, which won’t be out till February next year. It is definitely worth picking up.
Wren was a character that I did enjoy in the first book. The fact that she strong, and and challenged the things that she was taught about the outside world was the main reasons I like her so much. I will say that she is just as strong as before, but she is carrying some major guilt about the losses of life and questions the decisions she made leading up to where she is. this includes Pace. Their relationship was a quick one, and even though it was sweet it hits a few rough patches along the way. There are some secondary characters that have been introduce and let me tell you, they were great. but I will get to them a minute.
The story takes us through the strifes Wren and the group is facing now that they are outside the dome. Living in the dome never prepared them for what they were in store for and lot harder than they imagined. They were always meant to believe that they couldn’t survive outside the wall. Having to find food for everyone, and not to mention shelter begins to wear them all. Wren does come across a group of people that have been making it, they had shelter, food and some new exciting things that she had never dreamed of. There were a little more steampunkish machines this time around, and they alone were fascinating. The airship that they used was so amazing and how it was made was even more so. Not to mention, their back story was too. Then there is Levi, he was kind to Wren and seemed to understand what she was going through and feeling. So yes, there is the dreaded triangle, but there was so much with the rover trying to kill them and just plain trying to survive, the romance didn’t really bother me. The ending was a cliffhanger from hell but it was soo good.
Shadows of Glass was full of action, fighting, grief and learning about themselves. Fans of dystopians and science fiction will enjoy this. I know I enjoyed it, and I will be waiting for Remnants of Tomorrow, which won’t be out till February next year. It is definitely worth picking up.
May 23, 2014
Wren made it out of the dome, but quickly realizes just because the world is not on fire, that doesn't mean it is not a dangerous and troublesome place. Plagued with grief about what her decisions have caused her people, Wren struggles with the need to step up and lead despite others wanting her to.
This book took a big departure from the interesting story it was in book one. Firstly I felt a lot less actually happened. Tayler abandon the unique world building of the Dome society. The world above doesn't come across as crisp and descriptive as I'd you'd hope. Instead the story seems to spend a lot of time focusing on Wren's indecision, which is voiced repeatedly to the point of being tiresome for the reader. As well this book focused more with Wren's relationships- specifically to Pace, the boy she recently fell in love with- and a new character Levi who steals the show and apparently Wren's attention. I thought the introduction of the love triangle was formulaic, unnecessary and cliche. We could have used that time to get to know and develop Pace more. Instead I spent the book finding myself disliking the main character more and more both in her reluctance to step up and her selfishness. Though she spends lot of time with an internal monologue of regret and selfless thoughts- her actions do not convey this. Instead she seems to unnecessarily put herself into the line of fire both in regards to danger, and causing issues between groups of people. I doubt someone faced with these challenges would have enough time to sort out feelings for one person let alone develop them for two- but there in lies a story's ability to do whatever it wants. this one just seems to run into the realm of less believable.
I will likely read the last book in the series in hopes that it returns to the world building and unique story telling it was from the first book. Book two however seems to have been a place holder to string the reader along until a third, and series conclusion could be written. My hope is that this is true and that the relationship triangle does not take center stage in book 3.
This book took a big departure from the interesting story it was in book one. Firstly I felt a lot less actually happened. Tayler abandon the unique world building of the Dome society. The world above doesn't come across as crisp and descriptive as I'd you'd hope. Instead the story seems to spend a lot of time focusing on Wren's indecision, which is voiced repeatedly to the point of being tiresome for the reader. As well this book focused more with Wren's relationships- specifically to Pace, the boy she recently fell in love with- and a new character Levi who steals the show and apparently Wren's attention. I thought the introduction of the love triangle was formulaic, unnecessary and cliche. We could have used that time to get to know and develop Pace more. Instead I spent the book finding myself disliking the main character more and more both in her reluctance to step up and her selfishness. Though she spends lot of time with an internal monologue of regret and selfless thoughts- her actions do not convey this. Instead she seems to unnecessarily put herself into the line of fire both in regards to danger, and causing issues between groups of people. I doubt someone faced with these challenges would have enough time to sort out feelings for one person let alone develop them for two- but there in lies a story's ability to do whatever it wants. this one just seems to run into the realm of less believable.
I will likely read the last book in the series in hopes that it returns to the world building and unique story telling it was from the first book. Book two however seems to have been a place holder to string the reader along until a third, and series conclusion could be written. My hope is that this is true and that the relationship triangle does not take center stage in book 3.
July 21, 2016
Wren, Pace, and some of the other shiners have made it out of the tunnels alive. But the outside world isn't what they imagined it would be. Most of the shiners were killed in the explosion, and after spending their entire lives underground, the fresh air and sunlight are hard on the survivors.
The survivors are working to build themselves new lives. But there are dangers everywhere they turn, including rovers. How can they possibly keep themselves safe in this new and strange world?
When a group of explorers arrive, having seen the smoke from the dome, Wren is swept up in the things they tell and show her. She begins to question everything, even her connection to Pace.
After a message requesting help arrives from inside the dome, Wren begins planning a rescue mission with the help of her new friends. But if she goes back in, will she be able to make it out again?
I was swept up in this world that Wren lives in when reading book one, "Ashes of Twilight." Many series that swept me up in the first book tended to disappoint me in other books in the series. Book two, "Shadows of Glass," has not disappointed me.
The action is cut down for the first half of this novel, but there are many things introduced that similar dystopian novels don't cover, or at least don't cover well. It was very interesting to read about how the world outside affected those who had been trapped underground.
Of course, the action and adventure pick up later on when Wren and her friends have to learn how to survive outside of the dome.
I really liked this book. The writing was exceptional and the plot was captivating. I wasn't on the edge of my seat the entire time but I really did enjoy this book.
If I have to have a complaint, it would be the lack of information about the rovers. I would have liked to have read more about them.
I would recommend this book to fans of "Divergent" by Veronica Roth and similar stories.
stephanietiner.weebly.com
The survivors are working to build themselves new lives. But there are dangers everywhere they turn, including rovers. How can they possibly keep themselves safe in this new and strange world?
When a group of explorers arrive, having seen the smoke from the dome, Wren is swept up in the things they tell and show her. She begins to question everything, even her connection to Pace.
After a message requesting help arrives from inside the dome, Wren begins planning a rescue mission with the help of her new friends. But if she goes back in, will she be able to make it out again?
I was swept up in this world that Wren lives in when reading book one, "Ashes of Twilight." Many series that swept me up in the first book tended to disappoint me in other books in the series. Book two, "Shadows of Glass," has not disappointed me.
The action is cut down for the first half of this novel, but there are many things introduced that similar dystopian novels don't cover, or at least don't cover well. It was very interesting to read about how the world outside affected those who had been trapped underground.
Of course, the action and adventure pick up later on when Wren and her friends have to learn how to survive outside of the dome.
I really liked this book. The writing was exceptional and the plot was captivating. I wasn't on the edge of my seat the entire time but I really did enjoy this book.
If I have to have a complaint, it would be the lack of information about the rovers. I would have liked to have read more about them.
I would recommend this book to fans of "Divergent" by Veronica Roth and similar stories.
stephanietiner.weebly.com
August 21, 2013
I was really looking forward to reading this book. I read the first one, Ashes of Twilight, and really enjoyed it. I found this to be somewhat of a disappointment.
The story revolves around a young girl named Wren Macavoy. In the first book she and some friends were able to escape from the dome that had encased her world for over 200 years. The people living there were told that the world was in flames due to a comet that had come to earth. That was true but the world had been recovering for a long time and things outside the dome were liveable. If anyone tried to leave they were set on fire so people would think that the world was still in flames.
Wren lived underground and mined coal that was used to keep the fans going so the Royals (rich people) could have fresh air. At the end of book some of her friends blew up the fans and they were able to escape. People died and Wren feels responsible for this.
Shadows of Glass picks up where the first book left off. Wren and her friends need food and shelter. Fortunately a family arrives in an airship with all the comforts of home and offers help to Wren and her friends.
Here is where the book begins to drag. Once they meet this family the rest of the book basically describes how the refugees were helped and then their fight off scavengers outside of the dome who want to kill them.
They eventually need to go back into the dome but that happens at the very end I suppose to set the stage for the third book. I guess I was hoping this book would go a little further with the escapees going back to the dome to help others still stranded there. I guess I will have to wait for book number three.
So, I guess to sum it up I am glad to follow the story a little further, but I just wanted a little bit more.
The story revolves around a young girl named Wren Macavoy. In the first book she and some friends were able to escape from the dome that had encased her world for over 200 years. The people living there were told that the world was in flames due to a comet that had come to earth. That was true but the world had been recovering for a long time and things outside the dome were liveable. If anyone tried to leave they were set on fire so people would think that the world was still in flames.
Wren lived underground and mined coal that was used to keep the fans going so the Royals (rich people) could have fresh air. At the end of book some of her friends blew up the fans and they were able to escape. People died and Wren feels responsible for this.
Shadows of Glass picks up where the first book left off. Wren and her friends need food and shelter. Fortunately a family arrives in an airship with all the comforts of home and offers help to Wren and her friends.
Here is where the book begins to drag. Once they meet this family the rest of the book basically describes how the refugees were helped and then their fight off scavengers outside of the dome who want to kill them.
They eventually need to go back into the dome but that happens at the very end I suppose to set the stage for the third book. I guess I was hoping this book would go a little further with the escapees going back to the dome to help others still stranded there. I guess I will have to wait for book number three.
So, I guess to sum it up I am glad to follow the story a little further, but I just wanted a little bit more.
September 8, 2013
Review can be found here and courtesy of Romance Junkies
http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
Wren MacAvoy is a shiner – a working class within the dome’s hierarchy structure. She is also the daughter of Sir William Meredith, the Master General Enforcer, a man of great power entrusted to protect and preserve England’s royal echelon at any cost.
She and the other survivors, all shiners except one, were led to believe the world outside the glass dome was inhospitable, that anyone who steps outside would meet a burning demise. The world they encounter is harsh and alien, so different from the one they fought so hard to escape. She and the others must learn to adapt and survive in this unfamiliar atmosphere. Much to their relief they gain important allies who teach them to protect themselves and adjust to their new lives.
Since I had not read the first book I was at slight disadvantage; however, the author glossed over parts that I assume happened in the first book that allowed me to follow the story without being too lost or confused. It did take me a while to assimilate to the author’s voice. Once I adjusted to Tayler’s particular voice, I found the story to be well written. It was refreshing how she touched on normal occurrences such as rain storms being new to the survivors. The love triangle between Wren, Pace and Levi did not sit well with me only because of personal preferences.
Shadows of Glass was an adventurous story of survival, grief, and inward growth. SHADOWS of GLASS was my first real foray with the dystopian genre. It did have a spot or two that had the steampunk flavor that I enjoy.
http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
Wren MacAvoy is a shiner – a working class within the dome’s hierarchy structure. She is also the daughter of Sir William Meredith, the Master General Enforcer, a man of great power entrusted to protect and preserve England’s royal echelon at any cost.
She and the other survivors, all shiners except one, were led to believe the world outside the glass dome was inhospitable, that anyone who steps outside would meet a burning demise. The world they encounter is harsh and alien, so different from the one they fought so hard to escape. She and the others must learn to adapt and survive in this unfamiliar atmosphere. Much to their relief they gain important allies who teach them to protect themselves and adjust to their new lives.
Since I had not read the first book I was at slight disadvantage; however, the author glossed over parts that I assume happened in the first book that allowed me to follow the story without being too lost or confused. It did take me a while to assimilate to the author’s voice. Once I adjusted to Tayler’s particular voice, I found the story to be well written. It was refreshing how she touched on normal occurrences such as rain storms being new to the survivors. The love triangle between Wren, Pace and Levi did not sit well with me only because of personal preferences.
Shadows of Glass was an adventurous story of survival, grief, and inward growth. SHADOWS of GLASS was my first real foray with the dystopian genre. It did have a spot or two that had the steampunk flavor that I enjoy.
February 6, 2016
An excellent dystopian novel - with a well built setting and an original story line. The characters are likable and realistic; Wren's struggles to decide who she's actually in love with rings very true....and both boys are attractive (it's not clear to the reader which one she should choose either). I also enjoyed the writing style... though at times I found the dialogue a bit annoying (she doesn't use contractions and the "I am" "there is" constructions slows the dialogue down).
From booklist:
In this sequel to Ashes of Twilight (2012), Wren, love interest Pace, and fellow dome escapees marvel at their first taste of freedom. Reality soon sets in, and the group finds themselves battling rogue warriors, while Wren is consumed with guilt for those who died and with feelings of responsibility for those who remain in the dome. This dystopia takes on more steampunk vibes as Wren meets a treasure-hunting family traveling via dirigible, who join in the escapees’ continued fight and create a love triangle involving Wren and Pace. As Wren tries to find her life’s path, further secrets are revealed. Fans of the first book will appreciate Wren’s struggles on both sides of the dome and anxiously await the final installment—and fate of Wren’s world
From booklist:
In this sequel to Ashes of Twilight (2012), Wren, love interest Pace, and fellow dome escapees marvel at their first taste of freedom. Reality soon sets in, and the group finds themselves battling rogue warriors, while Wren is consumed with guilt for those who died and with feelings of responsibility for those who remain in the dome. This dystopia takes on more steampunk vibes as Wren meets a treasure-hunting family traveling via dirigible, who join in the escapees’ continued fight and create a love triangle involving Wren and Pace. As Wren tries to find her life’s path, further secrets are revealed. Fans of the first book will appreciate Wren’s struggles on both sides of the dome and anxiously await the final installment—and fate of Wren’s world
April 14, 2015
I love the adventure unfolding in this book as those who escaped from the dome are learning about the outside world and their past before the comet came and the dome was erected. Figuring out a general timeframe and location to get a better sense of what the dome's royals represent opens up a new perspective on the dome. I especially love the American treasure hunters who help with initial survival after escaping the dome. I'm definitely excited for the next book to see how they resolve the conflict of saving their friends and anyone else who wants out of the dome.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2014
Wow! This was way better than I was expecting it to be. I really liked hearing about Wren and Levi and the outside world. Now that they've been captured inside the dome, I'm interested in seeing where things go.
I really want Wren and Levi to end up together, but I feel like she'll end up with Pace. Most of the time, the love triangles resolve with the girl being with the guy she was romantically involved with in the first place, not the distraction =/
I really want Wren and Levi to end up together, but I feel like she'll end up with Pace. Most of the time, the love triangles resolve with the girl being with the guy she was romantically involved with in the first place, not the distraction =/
May 17, 2013
The book spends most of it's time lamenting the events of the previous book without any real plot. In order to remedy this, the author throws in a cliche love triangle. I'm sure there will be plenty of people who will love this book because of its mundane plot and romance, but true dystopian lovers need to find something else.
October 1, 2015
Shadows of Glass was disappointingly boring. Wren was less adventurous and whined to the point of being ridiculous.Instead of turning into the strong female leader the first book lead me to believe she'd be, its like she's a different person all together. I felt like I was reading a romance novel instead of a Dystopian novel.
August 12, 2013
Had a good plot, but took forever for any real and interesting action to occur. Was still a great read and worth the time, but really didn't keep my interest for long. Although, I would recommend this book and I am happily awaiting the next one in this trilogy.
August 2, 2013
I thought it was a great book. I just expected a little more movement. It just seems that they don't make any major decisions until the last couple of chapters. Still one of my favorite series though :)
January 18, 2015
4.5 not as great as the first but still very good, wren develops more as a character and is now faced with more hardships. the new characters are very interesting and I can't wait to see what happens in the third book!
May 20, 2015
3.5
Again, like the first one, the cover is spectacular.
I enjoyed the story line and really liked the introduction of new characters, but for some reason, the plot is not sitting well with me. I need to finish the series before I can decide how I feel about it.
Again, like the first one, the cover is spectacular.
I enjoyed the story line and really liked the introduction of new characters, but for some reason, the plot is not sitting well with me. I need to finish the series before I can decide how I feel about it.
November 25, 2015
Hard time getting into this one. I'm ten chapters in and don't really care about what is going on. It seems to be going slow and a bit on the whiny side. I'm going to put it down for a while and try again later.
April 17, 2016
i have the same problem with this one that i had with the first.
Really you fall for one guy in like 2 days then all of a sudden you get out meet another guy and fall in love within 2 or 3 days. So not believable.
Really you fall for one guy in like 2 days then all of a sudden you get out meet another guy and fall in love within 2 or 3 days. So not believable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2018
I don't understand all the favorable reviews. I enjoyed the first book very much. This one? Basically it goes like this:
"Woe is me. Woe is me. Waaaah. Woe is me."
That's about it. I don't get it.
Did not finish.
"Woe is me. Woe is me. Waaaah. Woe is me."
That's about it. I don't get it.
Did not finish.
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